Christianity undeniably plays a role in politics. While it’s less common today, many politicians still feel the need to express their Christian faith to gain the trust of voters and secure the highest offices in the land. Why? Because a significant number of Americans prefer their leaders to be Christian. Christian lobbying groups actively defend and promote causes aligned with Christian values.
However, this close association between Christianity and politics can be a major turnoff for nonbelievers. The issue isn’t with the core message of Christianity, but rather how that message is conveyed through the lens of political agendas. This raises an important question: Should Christianity and politics be intertwined?
Politics and Sports
After observing political pundits and listening to how people discuss politics, I’ve noticed that politics is often treated like a sport. We have “our team” and “their team.” We engage in trash talk, just like in sports, and we have analysts who dissect every political move. And, of course, there are winners and losers in each election cycle.
But this isn’t a game. This isn’t entertainment, yet that’s how we often treat it. And for what purpose? To amuse ourselves? In reality, this behavior feeds into our tribalistic instincts—the tendency to see those like us as part of our “team” and those different from us as the “other.”
This mindset has fueled polarization and eroded trust among citizens. Sadly, it can lead to even more serious consequences: the loss of friendships, strained family relationships, and potentially even violence.
Christianity and Politics- The world we live in
As a result of this sport-like approach to politics, many Christians have been swept up in the tide, aligning themselves with various political ideologies rather than staying focused on their faith.
This trend is evident in some churches, where sermons focus more on political ideas than the gospel, and where advocating for particular candidates takes precedence. In some cases, churches even distribute voter registration forms to their congregants.
Politics has become a divisive and polarizing game in our country, and unfortunately, many Christians have joined in.
The Ramifications
Christians have become almost synonymous with a particular political party, and this can be problematic. It’s important to recognize that while some political positions have spiritual or religious implications, no single party or ideology has a monopoly on Christianity.
Each political party has elements that align with Christian values and others that do not. When we closely associate ourselves with one party, we risk alienating those on the opposite side and potentially losing credibility in our Christian witness.
This isn’t to say that Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics, have opinions, or seek to realize Christian principles through political action. However, we must be cautious not to identify too strongly with any one party, ensuring that our faith remains the primary focus.
We are Christians not a Political Group
As Christians, we follow Jesus, who brought a new, upside-down kingdom to earth (Matthew 19:30). This kingdom doesn’t adhere to the world’s patterns of climbing the ladder of power to create change. Instead, it calls us to give of ourselves to transform hearts.
When we treat politics as a game to be won, we become part of the world and stray from the way we are meant to live. Instead of focusing on winning debates or elections, our priority should be to love sacrificially.
What this looks like in practice can be challenging but impactful. If you are pro-life, rather than just protesting, consider participating in foster care or adopting a child. If you want to help the homeless, take the time to get to know them and provide for their needs. There are countless ways to live out your Christian faith and indirectly influence societal change without engaging directly in the political systems or at least becoming a political sport fan.
Do this not with pride or self-righteousness, but with humility, for this is the way of Jesus Christ.
Check out: Jesus and Religion
Conclusions
In conclusion, while Christianity and politics are inevitably intertwined in many aspects of society, it is crucial for Christians to navigate this relationship with care. The faith calls us to live by the values of Christ’s upside-down kingdom, prioritizing love, humility, and service over power and political gain. By aligning too closely with any political party, Christians risk compromising their witness and contributing to the division and polarization that characterize the current political landscape. Instead, let us focus on embodying Christian principles in our daily lives, influencing change through acts of love and compassion, and maintaining our faith as the guiding force above all political affiliations.
